Rec1

Wednesday 8 April 2015

Engine Idles Too High

Idling High or Low

Car Engine Idle Issues

Helpful Information

Intermitted sensor failure or shorting can cause the computer to act strange with unusual side effects, these problems are particularly tough to diagnose. The computer program is designed to trigger a MIL (check engine - service engine soon) only when a long term failure has occurred. In these cases there are many approaches that can used, the most professional method involves using a computer scanner that will monitor and record the data stream which then can be monitored for unusual patterns in various sensors or connections. An alternative method of troubleshooting involves a one at a time, replace all critical sensors approach which can reveal the failed sensor i.e: crankshaft, camshaft and throttle position sensors along with coolant temperature and oxygen sensors which are prone to this type of sensor failure.

Step by step automotive repair guide on how to troubleshoot and fix an engine that is idling high (fast) or low (slow). (Note: The engine idle speed is controlled by the computer and is NOT adjustable.) The troubleshooting procedure for high and low idle conditions are similar, which are included in the following:
Difficulty Scale: 4 of 10
Step 1 - If the check engine or service engine light soon has illuminatedretrieving the diagnostic trouble codes could lead you in the right direction of what the problem is, or is related too.

Check Engine Light
Step 2 - The idle air control motor (valve) is responsible for controlling the engine idle speed, if this part fails or becomes weak the engine idle speed could become erratic, additionally, this condition may or may not trigger the MIL (check engine, service engine soon light.) Because of the nature of this valve (large air volume processed) it should be serviced when a tune up is performed to remove "coking" which will hinder the valve's performance. To perform a rough check of the idle air control, remove the valve while reconnecting the wiring harness. While observing the valve with a flashlight, turn the key to the "ON" position, (DO NOT START ENGINE.) the valve should move slightly.

Idle Air Control Valve (Off Engine)
Step 3 - Engine vacuum is a sealed system and must hold a specific amount to maintain proper idle conditions, inspect the engine vacuum hoses and intake gaskets.

Engine Intake Vacuum Leak
Step 4 - The air intake boot or tube is used to deliver air to the intake system of the engine. If this tube becomes loose or broken it can leak unmetered air into the engine effectively causing an unbalance (via the mass air flow MAF sensor) in the computer system which can produce fast or slow idle.

Removing Air Intake Boot
Step 5 - A throttle bore is used to regulate the volume of air flow the engine consumes. Controlled either by computer or by manual foot pedal this device must be clean and free from coking build up (light tar substance.)

Throttle Bore Service

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